TaxAct and TurboTax are tax preparation software products that are good options for people to prepare their own tax returns. TurboTax has more features and provides the option for review by a licensed tax professional. TaxAct is less expensive and provides a good set of features for most people who prepare returns. When to Use…
How to Get a PTIN in 4 Steps [+Free Checklist]
Tax professionals must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number, or PTIN, if they are paid to prepare tax returns. Because PTINs expire every December 31st, tax preparers need to renew their PTIN before tax season starts. Preparers can get or renew a PTIN online in about 15 minutes or by mail in about six weeks….
Excise Taxes: A Guide for Small Businesses
The federal government imposes excise taxes on a variety of products and services that are manufactured in or imported into the United States. Business collect excise taxes and pay these excise taxes over the the government. Excise taxes apply to alcoholic beverages, tobacco, firearms, airfares, telephone service, and many other products and services. Alcohol and…
IRS Annual Filing Season Program
The Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) is a voluntary credential for tax professionals offered by the IRS. The AFSP is right for tax preparers who are not already enrolled agents, certified public accountants, or attorneys. IRS issues a Record of Completion to tax preparers completing 18 hours of tax education and meeting other requirements. What…
Section 179 Calculator: Calculate Your Tax Savings
Section 179 is a type of tax deduction that lets you deduct up to $1 million in equipment and other fixed assets as a business expense on your tax return. This provides significant tax savings compared to depreciating the assets over several years. Our Section 179 calculator helps you determine how much you can deduct…
IRS Form 1120S: Definition, Download, & 1120S Instructions
Form 1120S is the annual tax form used by S-corps and LLCs taxed as S-corps to report their net earnings to the IRS. Similar to partnerships, net earnings pass through to the S-corp’s shareholders. Shareholders report their share of the S-corp’s earnings on their personal tax returns. You can download Form 1120S and prepare the…
FICA Taxes, Unemployment Insurance, & Workers’ Comp for Owners
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) is a federal law that requires employers to withhold three taxes from their employees’ wages: 6.2% Social Security tax, 1.45% Medicare tax, and 0.9% for anyone who earns more than $200,000. In addition to FICA taxes, you must also cover unemployment taxes and workers’ compensation. If you’re looking for affordable…
Form 941 Instructions & FICA Tax Rate [+ Mailing Address]
Form 941 is a quarterly tax form that tracks FICA tax payments made by employers throughout the year. FICA taxes include Social Security and Medicare taxes with employer rates of 6.2% and 1.45%, respectively. FICA taxes are typically due monthly or semiweekly, and Form 941 is due quarterly. You can download Form 941 here. However,…
Sole Proprietorship Taxes: Rates, Deadlines, Benefits & Forms
The IRS treats the owner of a sole proprietorship and the business as a single entity. Instead of paying a 21% corporate tax rate, your sole proprietorship tax rate is based on your personal income tax bracket. Sole props file an annual tax return on April 15 but may be subject to other tax filings….
Top 27 Business Tax Saving Tips from the Pros
Taxes are an important aspect of running a business. You need to be aware which taxes to pay and when they are due. It can be overwhelming, but planning ahead can help you file on time and claim the right deductions. Here experts share the most effective business tax saving tips you can try. Below…
Maximize Your Tax Refund in 4 Easy Steps
Business tax deductions and credits will help you lower your tax bill. You might be familiar with the most common tax deductions, like wages paid to employees, business meals and advertising costs. However, you may not be as familiar with deductions for your home office, automobile and interest paid on business loans and credit cards….
Deducting Travel & Entertainment Expenses: The Ultimate Guide
Most people know that travel and entertainment expenses are deductible, but don’t understand all of the rules and regulations around it. In general, you can write off 100% of all business-related travel expenses and 50% of all business-related entertainment expenses. In order to deduct the expenses, they must meet specific requirements set by the IRS….